Rating: 
Summary: amazing.
Review: One of the most amazing books I have ever read. I started reading it and could not put it down till I finished (litterally). Though the back makes it seem like a cliched annoying pre teen book, the writing clearly showed more. There is really not much I can say about this book without delving into the delicate web that it shows us. Wonderful wonderful WONDERFUL! I can't stress how much I enjoyed this book enough. Easy to relate to with the stress in the mother daughter relationship, easy to read, and good. Touching, wonderful, fantasic.
Rating:
Summary: Really makes you think
Review: The best thing about this novel is how easy it was to read. I felt as if I was right there with her, living and feeling the experiences, the joys and the pains. I was awestruck by how the author was able to paint such a dreary portrayal of her experiences, yet demonstrate the magnetic appeal of a place like the LA basin. If you want to get a very realistic perspective on the many different paths your life can take at the drop of a hat, read this book and listen to her message.
Rating:
Summary: LIQUID POETRY!!!
Review: This book is AMAZING! Never have I read a book that FLOWED as smooth as this one!! Kuddos to Janet Fitch on her debut novel. WHITE OLEANDER is the story of an only child (Astrid) of a single Mother (Ingrid) and her journey through life beginning with her relationship with her Mother, followed by a series of foster homes and ending by her ultimately finding herself. The book is compelling, graceful and will leave you looking forward to Janet Fitch's next work. WHITE OLEANDER is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Rating: 
Summary: White Oleander
Review: The book DOES flow, I'll give it that... some bumps and hitches, though, but, nothing can be perfect, can it? However, I was a bit leery of reading this since from the back blurb it sounded like something I would have picked up in seventh grade. Hey! Know what it reminds me of? All while I was reading this one thing kept tugging on my mind... and that was The Secrets of Ya-Ya Sisterhood. That's what was bothering me. Since I didn't exactly love that book, it prohibites me from giving WO a rave review. And yet, on the other hand, since I too (like millions of other girls) had problems with my mother while growing up, I did sympathize with the main character's struggle to find an identity outside of her mother's control. (I'm happy to say that my mother was... not so freakish and omniously looming as Ingrid.) I was really amazed on how Astrid turned out half as well as she did...
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written and true to life
Review: The characters range from extraordinary and unusual to banal and boring, but all are accurately portrayed. The sadness is deeply felt, but the perspective is never helpless. I LOVED this book and so has everyone I've recommended it to -- from teenagers to senior citizens including both my mother and my daughter.
Rating:
Summary: Met the author &she's as interesting and lovely as the book
Review: Its about time someone wrote this well about the perils of children with parents incarcerated.The treatment of foster care is well done too.I enjoyed Ms.Fitch's writing style . She is also a good speaker with lots of interesting ideas to share with her audience. I grew up in the same area as the place depicted in the book and found her descriptions right on. I will be looking forward to her next book.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book-Enlightening View on Foster Care/LA
Review: I loved this book,it took my mind off of my troubles and describes LA so vividly ...the different foster family scenarios..make you feel like you are really there...
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: A beautifully written novel, I have been this inspired in years. I can hardly wait to read Janet Fitch's next works.
Rating:
Summary: Heartbreaking and Beautiful
Review: I haven't read a book I liked this much in years!!! Although Astrid's experiences themselves were nothing like my own life (thank God!) the feelings of isolation, love and loss are familiar to anyone who grew up in a less-than-perfect family...and didn't we all? I couldn't put the book down, and felt more drawn to Astrid with every page. Even at 12, she was an inspiration. Janet Fitch's writing is gorgeously clear and lyrically beautiful without letting her love of language overtake the story she has to tell. Absolutely perfect!
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!!
Review: Janet Fitch is an incredible new voice in fiction. I can't recommend it more highly. The main character is a strong young girl who goes through hell and survives. I simply could not put it down. This book is so smartly written. Loved it.
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